Governor Proclaims Fibromyalgia Awareness Day 2023

WHEREAS, fibromyalgia is a chronic-pain disorder that causes widespread body pain, affecting 2 to 4 percent of the population in the United States and approximately 313,000 to 522,000 North Carolinians; and

WHEREAS, in addition to chronic pain, fibromyalgia’s symptoms include moderate to severe fatigue, sleep disorders, stiffness and weakness, mobility/balance instability, headaches/migraines, numbness and tingling, nausea, vertigo, and impairment of memory and concentration; and

WHEREAS, people living with fibromyalgia often have several co-existing medical conditions, which may include chronic myofascial pain, irritable bowel syndrome, Raynaud’s syndrome, interstitial cystitis, peripheral neuropathy, anxiety, depression, and chemical and environmental sensitivities; and

WHEREAS, it can take three to five years to receive a formal diagnosis of fibromyalgia, and even then, there are few treatment options available; and

WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina encourages increased awareness and understanding by the public and health care providers to help people and families dealing with this disease receive appropriate medical intervention, compassionate care, and support; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim May 12, 2023, as “FIBROMYALGIA AWARENESS DAY” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.